Vera Moore has launched a national make up and skin care brand that is available in select Walgreen’s LOOK boutiques across the country, but has never forgotten the importance of giving back.

Since launching her business as the first African American tenant in the 50-year history of the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York, she has actively sought ways to give back to the community, including providing support for Dress for Success, the Long Island Fund For Women and Girls and 100 Black Women.

Moore continues her legacy of outreach this year as the official cosmetics sponsor of the 2014 Miss Black Illinois USA Scholarship essay contest.

“The Miss Black Illinois organization provides young women of color with personal, professional and academic scholarship opportunities. We celebrate scholastic achievement and believe that education is the key to lifelong success and empowerment. This year during our application period we are introducing an essay contest,” said Tina Denard, executive director for the pageant.

The contest was announced this year as a new addition to the application process.

Young women of color in grades 9 – 12 who enter the essay contest will be asked to respond to the question, “What is Your Definition of True Beauty?”

“This is a worthy cause for young women and I am delighted to be a sponsor of the event. This year will be bigger and better,” says Moore.

Essay contest winners will receive the following:

First Place
• Sponsored summer writing course to an accredited college or university
• Gift card from Vera Moore Cosmetics the official cosmetic sponsor to
The Miss Black Illinois USA Scholarship Pageant
• Writing showcased in newspaper and/or TV
• Winners will be showcased on-stage at the 2015 Miss Black Illinois USA Scholarship PageantSecond Place
• A Plaque
• Winners will be showcased on-stage at the 2015 Miss Black Illinois USA Scholarship Pageant

The first place winner’s essay also will be featured on TheEmpowerMag.com website.

The submission’s period for the contest kicked off on April 10 and will run through June 1.